The Irish Beef & Lamb Association (IBLA) has, this week, launched an online survey to seek “genuine” farmers’ views on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
It intends to submit its results to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue before the next round of CAP negotiations commence.
In a statement to That’s Farming, a spokesperson said:
“The Irish Beef & Lamb Association – IBLA – has examined and reviewed documentation pertaining to the recent CAP negotiations.”
“It is our considered opinion from an Irish perspective, that the farmers of Ireland have not been consulted with on which CAP proposal they would like to have in place.”
‘Work the land and farm in our communities’
“Irish farmers should be asked for their opinion on convergence. IBLA is a grassroots organisation and believes in supporting the views of grassroot farmers.”
“IBLA is going to consult with its members and the wider farming public through an online survey. The survey is to gather the opinions of the genuine farmers, who work the land and farm in our communities.”
“We recognise that Irish agriculture has moved on from thirty years ago. We also recognise that the principles of CAP, whilst noble and fitting at the time, now need further realignment with our circular economy.”
While modern society and modern farming require realignment for sustainable agriculture, the statement added, this is key for food security and a level playing field for all within the agri-food sector.
“Large companies and semi-state bodies availing of CAP payments and who are not contributing to the circular economy are not in sync with the current CAP review.”
The group stated it is key that redistribution occurs to bolster family farming enterprises in our rural communities.
“Each and every livestock owner lives and breathes within our community. When our society is faced with national dilemmas, a referendum is held for the will of the people to be heard. The will of the people in a true democracy is heard.”
IBLA is now wishing to hold a referendum-like survey, “to reflect the true opinion of the farming community from the ground up, rather than conceding to executive policy at the top”.
“We are leaving this survey open to all farmers, and it is vital that your voice is heard.”
You can find the survey here.
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